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Home Improvement

8 Things To Do When Moving Into a New House

3 min read

Whether you’re moving to another home in Muscle Shoals or to Alabama from across the country, moving is always exciting and stressful. It seems like there is a never ending list of things to be done, but some are definitely bigger priorities than others. 

Wondering what the most important things to do when you move into a new home are? We’ve got the top 8 things you need to do when you move into your new house.

What to Do When You Move Into a New Home

Whether you’re moving into an existing home or a new construction home, these things are crucial to getting your new life off to a good start!

1. Set Up Your Utilities

Before you move, call your new utility companies to get your electricity, water, and gas transferred into your name on the date you move. You’ll want to do this before the move because some companies require you to submit an application, which may take a few days to process. 

It’s also a good idea to go ahead and set up an appointment with your new internet and cable provider to get service to your new address.

2. Change Your Address

Another thing you can check off your list before moving day? Changing your address with the postal service! You can do it online and request for it to go into effect on the date you move. They’ll even forward mail to your new address for 12 months. Once you get settled, don’t forget to change your address on your driver’s license and voter registration!

Couple looking over finances

3. Learn What Day is Trash Day

This is something you probably won’t think about until the trash can and recycling bin are full. Before you move in, or within the first few days, call your new trash company to learn what day the trash and recycling are picked up.

4. Child/Pet Proof

As you’re moving, exterior doors will probably be propped open, making it easier for kids or pets to escape. In addition, you’ll be moving heavy furniture and boxes. You don’t want kids or pets getting underfoot! That’s why it’s important to have a temporary childproofing or pet proofing plan until you can get your permanent setup unpacked. 

5. Change Your Locks

If you’ve moved into an existing home, it’s smart to change your locks and deadbolts. If you don’t, not only do the former residents have keys to your home, anyone they gave a key to can theoretically enter your house. It’s best to change all of the locks for complete peace of mind.

6. Locate the Fuse Box and Water Main Valve

Homeownership 101: know where and how to cut the electricity and water in case you ever need to. Ideally, you’ll locate these before moving. If you can’t find them yourself, your realtor can help you. 

7. Replace Your Toilet Seats

New construction homeowners, skip ahead. This one only applies if you’ve purchased an existing home. Sure, you can deep clean the toilet seat and hinges, but replacing it is faster and more efficient.

8. Make a List of Home Repairs to Prioritize

Now that you’ve got the basics figured out, it’s a good time to make a list of the repairs you’d like to make. If your windows are more than 10-15 years old or are hard to open, we recommend putting them at the top of your list. Modern windows are more energy-efficient, which will save you money on your electric bills every month, while keeping your home more comfortable.

Further, we recommend installing new windows and doors before you decorate and hang curtains. This way, you have less to take down in order to have your new windows and/or doors installed. (And when you install them first, you’ll enjoy the energy savings from the get-go!)

New Homeowner in Muscle Shoals? Make Window World Your Home Improvement Partner

Whether you’ve recently purchased a home in Muscle Shoals or you moved here from another city, we’re glad you’re here. When you need new windows, doors, or siding, we’re here to help. Explore our products, check out our current promotions, and get your project started by requesting your free estimate!